LP-Gas (propane) consumers are usually provided with an LP-Gas container by the dealer providing the gas. NFPA 58 does ot prevent a consumer from purchasing his or her own LP-Gas container. When this is done, the owner is not relieved of the code requirement that the container be maintained. It is the responsibility of the propane supplier to take reasonable steps to verify that a container is fit for service before filling the container. This requirement applies equally to a 20-lb (9.1-kg) gas grill cylinder, a 500-gall (1.9-m^3) ASME container at an industrial facility.
2-2.1.4 A container shall not be filled if the container assembly is not suitable for continued service.
This requirement, 2-2.1.5, and 2-2.1.6 were all part of 2-2.1.4 in the 1995 and previous editions. The reorganization in the 1998 edition now highlights each important subject.
The statement in 2-2.1.4 that containers must not be filled when unsuitable for continued service places an important safety requirement on suppliers who fill LP-Gas containers. They must check for the following:
- Container defects
- Proper separation of newly installed containers from buildings and property lines
- Changes in location of the container with respect to buildings, property lines, and sources of ignition (Are there new air conditioners, building extensions, or fences that indicate a change that affects LP-Gas container location?)
Maintenance of the container is extremely important. Containers may be subjected to conditions during installation that can cause corrosion. In addition, the handling of cylinders can result in cuts, gouges, and dents, which can weaken them and defeat protective coatings (paint). It is the responsibility of the container owner to see that it is properly maintained and requalified, that the container is repaired if such can be done.
Source: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code Handbook 1998